An undisclosed Middle Eastern country has become the latest customer for Leonardo’s new Miysis directed infrared countermeasure (DIRCM) system, which uses high-powered lasers to protect aircraft from heat-seeking missiles by confusing their targeting sensors. The manufacturer recently started making deliveries of Miysis to the Royal Canadian Air Force for use on its CP-140 ISR/ASW aircraft.
According to Leonardo’s UK-based division, demand for DIRCM systems has increased in recent years because older countermeasures, such as decoy flares, are no longer able to protect against the latest infrared guided missiles. Miysis accurately locates and tracks incoming missiles and then shines a high-powered laser onto their targeting sensors to direct the weapons away from the aircraft.
The Miysis equipment is smaller, lighter, and draws less power than other DIRCM systems. It provides full spherical coverage that Leonardo says is now needed to counter advanced threats. Its open architecture makes it easier to fit on a variety of aircraft, the company added.